Back in 1992, I was introduced to Mechwarrior running on an IBM 286 (it didn't have a hard drive connected to it, it ran off of 3 1/2 disks (with a 'k')). I was enchanted and absorbed into mech gaming forever after that experience. Since then, there have been several variations of mech titles, including an Xbox title that cost $299. On top of this, I've also been to the Battletech simulators in Chicago and at your local Dave & Busters, more than once. Fast-forward into the 2000's and a series called Armored Core raises its head and the bar when it comes to mech gaming. I always thought that Mechwarrior was detailed, but MW has nothing on AC. More recently in February of 2010, FromSoftware releases Armored Core: Silent Line (SL) for the PlayStation Portable. Could the PSP version maintain and retain the amount of detail that the Playstation 3 (and previous versions) toted? Only a review will tell.

Vandal Hearts was first released on the Playstation in the mid 90s, and was well received. A sequel was made and enjoyed by many, but the series has been quiet until a prequel was just recently released on XBLA and the PSN. Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment is a competent and traditional strategy RPG that should appease fans of the genre who aren't expecting anything more than a typical gameplay experience.

Sometimes you don't need overcomplicated graphics or intense engines to make a game enjoyable. Sometimes it only takes some good intentions and great execution. This is the very definition of Polar Panic.

In November, Sony released Buzz! Quiz World for the PS3, the newest entry into their popular trivia game series. Now, Buzz is back -- this time on the PSP. We reviewed and are still enjoying the PS3 version, but how does the PSP version stack up? Quite well, in fact. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

2D brawlers were a huge hit in the late 80s and 90s, but you just don't see that many anymore. Done right, 2D brawlers are awesome co-op experiences that offer a lot of replay value and great memories. The genre has been well established by games like Double Dragon, Final Fight, and Captain Commando. SOE just launched a new PSN game that combines all of the classic themes and elements of a 2D brawler with lots of platforming action. Is Revenge of the Wounded Dragons a must have? Let's take a closer look.

Earlier this week I posted a Q&A with Mario Wynands of Sidhe Interactive, makers of PSN's newest smash hit, Shatter. Shatter is a very clever title in the vein of Breakout; it's essentially a 'breaking' game whereby players use orbs or balls to smash various objects. Quick reflexes, strategy, and even an ounce of luck are the staples in this genre. With Shatter, Sidhe puts a new spin on the gameplay and surrounds it with a superb presentation. The end result is a fantastic game.

Frank Castle is a vigilante who kidnaps, extorts, tortures, kills, maims, and blows up bad guys instead of just capturing them. Frank is the judge, the jury and the executioner, on a war against the criminal underbelly that killed his family. A veteran, a special ops master of martial arts, and a master of weaponry; Frank Castle is the Punisher.

CellFactor®: Psychokinetic Wars is a fast-paced first-person multiplayer shooter where you choose your side in the battle of technology vs. humanity. Manipulate your environment and kill your enemies with your choice of gunfire and/or telekinetic superpowers. Use your mind to rip objects from the environment and smash them in any direction or use your powers to create a bullet-proof energy shield. Flying, teleporting and accelerated speed give you countless ways to kill or be killed. Take on the three single-player challenge modes (one mode for each character) or battle live enemies throughout the world in one of four multiplayer modes.

Killer, diller, chiller, thriller here tonight.

 

 

Relax.